LAST week I discussed my thoughts on the current trend amongst civil servants and the fact that most of them have forgotten that they are supposed to be serving the public. I'm sure that some people were offended by my remarks.

If so, good, because what I wrote is the truth.

As proof, all you need to do is look at the current state of labour relations in this country. After the civil servants, next up was the Continental Airlines employees. They, too, are simply looking for money, money, money. Fighting over $400 when everybody with half a brain can see that Continental went above and beyond the call of duty in making the employees an offer that is greater than what the airline was required to provide.

Now the BIU appear to be encouraging the axed employees to refuse the offer! If, in fact, this is true - how ridiculous is that? Maybe it's a good thing that we're not yet independent!

The only conclusion that I can reach is that Bermuda is now a nation, sorry a colony, of greedy people.

More on this after the Top 20.

Spotlight, by former American Idol songstress Jennifer Hudson, advances to number one. This is a well-written, inspiring, upbeat track that will make you sing along. Her voice is just heavenly and will work with just about any type of music.

Tumbling to number two is Give It To Me by Madonna, a kicking dance anthem by veteran house, pop and disco diva. Regrettably, it seems that Madonna will be getting a divorce from her husband of eight years, Guy Ritchie. To avoid any doubt, I am a huge Madonna fan. I believe that I have just about every one of her albums. Madonna has been a DJ's best friend for nearly 30 years. I remember many times when I couldn't get difficult audiences to dance and Madonna's Holiday came to my rescue and filled the dance floor. Well, maybe my boy Alex Rodriguez was doing a bit more than spiritual healing with Madonna! At 50, Madonna is still hotter than most women half her age. I wish I could afford a personal trainer, chef, diet consultant, image consultant and a publicist - I'd look hotter than dudes half my age, too!

But I digress. It is very sad when people divorce. I believe that when this happens all the angels in heaven cry their eyes out. There are children involved and their lives are changed forever. Nobody wins with divorce. Marriage is a serious charge, people. Do not enter into it lightly, casually or without fervent prayer and the knowledge that you truly love this person unconditionally and wish to spend the rest of your life with them.

Also assure yourself as best you can that the person feels exactly the same way as you and has the same level of commitment to do whatever is necessary to make the relationship work. If you have any doubts - don't do it. You do not have to be married to be happy. However, once you are married, you must commit to doing whatever is necessary to make the marriage work and last. I encourage all married couples to hang in there. It's hard work but its worth it in the end.

Up to number three is Jazmine Sullivan's new hit entitled Need You Bad.

Improving to number four is Disturbia by hot girl Rihanna, a smooth dance track that currently sits atop international dance charts. I'm hoping that we can get her for next year's Bermuda Music Festival.

Tumbling to number five is When I Grow Up by the Pussycat Dolls, one of the hottest, sexiest and most creative groups around.

Climbing to number six is The Business by Yung Berg featuring Casha, a current hip hop fave.

Falling to number seven is Take A Bow, a sad love story by Rihanna.

Improving to number eight is Whatever You Like by T.I.

Up to number nine is Can't Believe It by T-Pain and Lil Wayne.

It is typical that our soca tracks lose their popularity during the fall.

Falling to number ten is Defence (the anthem) by Machel Montano featuring Lil Jon and Pitbull.

Tumbling to number 11 is Love Is Wicked (Soca Remix) by Brick and Lace featuring Kess.

Up to number 12 is She's Royal by Taurus Riley, one of the coolest reggae songs of the year and a former essential new tune.

Improving to number 13 is the new hit from Ne-Yo, entitled Closer. This one has been around for a while but a new remix has put it back in the charts.

Up to number 14 is a kicking dance track by Natasha Beddingfield, entitled Angel.

Falling to number 15 is Road Jam, a soca kicker by visitor Shurwayne Winchester.

Slipping to number 16 is Put On by Young Jeezy featuring Kanye West.

Falling to number 17 is Heaven Sent by Keyshia Cole, a simply beautiful song.

Now, this week's essential and must have-and-hear new hit.

In at number 18 is Mrs. Officer by my namesake Lil Wayne and Bobby Valentino. This track is all over radio, airwaves and clubs. You name it, it's on it. The track is very catchy and people are calling in to request it several times a day. It talks about a dude's relationship with a female police officer but it is basically a modern day love song, in hip-hop style.

Down to number 19 is Trey Songz' new hit, entitled Last Time.

Slipping to number 20 is A Milli by L'il Wayne.

Now back to this week's word: greed. There is an old adage that says, "Greed kills". Well, my people, I am to tell you that greed is killing Bermuda and we are now reaping what we have sowed.

God is trying to teach the world that it is not all about the money. God has been trying to teach us this for years. Jesus was not greedy. John was not greedy. Sure, David liked women but he was not greedy in general and not in terms of material things.

We are a nation of greedy people. Greed will not serve us well as an independent country - hence my earlier statement. Greed would ruin a prosperous country, as we are certainly are in Bermuda. The wealthier residents of this country are greedy. The upper-middle income segment is greedy. The middle class are greedy. The lower-middle class want more. The poor and struggling are destitute and need more.

Do people see what is happening in this country? We have become less interested in values, morals, integrity, quality and are more interested in accumulating as many material toys, gadgets and things as our money will allow. Why? To play with them for a day or so?

Adults are worse than children who acquire new toys at Christmas. We spend all our time and energy accumulating material things and neglect our families, especially our children. Then we wonder why they grow up and do the same.

But moreover, there appears to be an expectation that our employers are supposed to pay us heaps more because we decide that we want more toys. That is not the answer. I wish that more employees would see things from a business owner or investor's perspective. Say what you like, but it is the employer or business owner who assumes the greatest risk. Sure there is white privilege and all that promoted by CURB, but that's not the issue I'm raising here. The person who has to pay the bank, the creditors and the bills is the person whose neck is on the line. Businesses don't work by just paying people more and more.

Nor do governments. Get the message people, you can't just keep asking for more money. If you don't make enough cut back on your toys. Live a simpler life with less luxuries. Focus on the necessities and things that are really important, like time with children, family and loved ones.

Or, get a part time job but don't hassle your boss for more money. If you don't like your job - get another one. If you can't find one, it's because you're not good enough or you need more education, skills or training. It really is that simple. I could go on for pages in this newspaper but I will not.

The moral of this story is that greed is killing Bermuda and will destroy what once was a great place to live, have a family, raise children and spend your days.

Masalama (means goodbye in Arabic).